Portland LINK

1 Midsummer Concert

2 An Evening at Chile Camp Meeting

3 Gallery PICS

4 World Report

5 Sing-a-Long on the Front Lawn

6 Water Baptismal

6 On the Spot

The annual Midsummer Concert was held on July 3 this year, and much of the music carried a patriotic theme. Director of Music Gary Riler presided over the program, which began with the brass section playing a piece titled “Centennial Fanfair.” Then Pastor Darrel Lee welcomed the audience and asked all to stand and sing the National Anthem, and the American flag billowed in a breeze as everyone sang.

The next piece was Randy Kaady singing “The Holy City” accompanied by

the orchestra. He also sang “Shadrach,” reminding everyone of the faithfulness of the three Hebrew children. A string quartet played a notable piece titled “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” and also plucked their strings in “Jericho,” a number that highlighted Joshua’s victory when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

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Fonts:Voluta ScriptTrajan Pro

Midsummer ConcertThe voices of the choir filled

the recesses of the sanctuary as they sang songs of testimony and encouragement in “The Lord is My Light,” “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name,” and “Hold On.” Later, the orchestra presented “Raymond Overture” by Ambroise Thomas and “Variations on ‘America,’” a patriotic piece reflective of the struggles and victories in America’s history. The familiar melody of “American Salute” was also very enjoyable.

There was a break from the music as five music scholarships were presented to young people who have shown dedication to improving their musical skills and a commitment to using their talents for the glory of God. One recipient was from our own Portland congregation: fifteen-year-old Emmaline Worthington, who was

A P O S T O L I C F A I T H . O R G

Selections from our website and more

The sanctuary choir sings.

“Every note of music was especially beautiful because the musicians were performing for the Lord.”

July 2017

playing her oboe with the orchestra during the concert.

The last pieces included the men’s choir singing “Livin’ in the Homeland,” and the combined choir and orchestra presenting “Down to the River to Pray” and “America, the Beautiful.” Every note of music was especially beautiful because the musicians were performing for the Lord. We are thankful for His presence that was felt during the concert.

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An Evening at Chile Camp MeetingThrough photos, narration, and

live music, a presentation of our work in Chile had the effect of transporting attendees to South America. The evening began with Sam Ajayi, Director of South America Work, relating that he first visited Chile in 2011 to meet with about twenty groups interested in becoming part of our organization. Although the final consensus by most of these was that we adhere too closely to Biblical doctrine, a group from the town of Chimbarongo embraced the doctrines, and the first Apostolic Faith Church in Chile was formed in 2012.

Following those comments, a multimedia presentation began with narration by Yvonne Wilson and Carrie Keju, who attended the last two Chile camp meetings. They started by describing the journey to the camp location of Chimbarongo, which usally involves two airplanes and three busses. February is summertime in Chile and the time zone is five hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. The visitors from the U.S. lodged in a hotel four blocks from the camp meeting site.

The first comments about church services related to the music. The ladies said it was joyous, loud, and enthusiastic, and that the orchestra consisted of guitars, mandolins, and an occasional tambourine. The songbooks have lyrics only, so musicians and singers have to know the music by heart.

and praising and hallelujahs being shouted. It may be a small crowd, but it is mighty in prayer. . . . just when it looked like we might be wrapping up, some of the musicians started softly playing and singing and the blessings started flowing again. People came back to the altars to pray more.”

Another special moment was meeting with the youth and challenging

them to commit to growing in the Lord through Bible study and prayer, and to hold each other accountable to receiving their deeper experiences. The young people immediately showed a commitment to follow through. The visitors also shared personally with them on the topics of Christian experiences, dating and marriage, friends, and being led by God in big decisions.

On Saturday, a Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing service was held. The ladies said there was a tangible hunger for God and the service was very blessed. Later in the afternoon, a water baptismal service was held at a nearby river.

After the presentation, the team visiting from Chile and all Americans who had ever visited Chile came to the platform to sing “Rios de Agua Vivo,” accompanied by guitar, mandolin, and tambourine in true Chilean style. Watching the presentation gave us a greater love and appreciation for our brothers and sisters in Chile, and no doubt will keep them in our prayers in the days to come.

On Monday, an evening of music was held with participation from nearly everyone. There were family groups, larger choirs, solos, and duets. In 2017, the evening of music was held in honor of two saints from Chimbarongo who had passed away just two months prior. Both were talented musicians who had participated in this event previously, and the evening was a time of tears and laughter as they were remembered.

Sister Yvonne and Sister Carrie said they appreciated testimony time because they learned more about the Chileans’ personal lives, which was a challenge for non-Spanish speakers. Testifying is a newer tradition for our Chilean churches, but they learned the concept quickly. One told how he had been sick and tried many remedies, including witch doctors, with no success, but one day he went to church and was saved and healed! Another told a miraculous account of how God spared his home from a raging forest fire which took twelve lives. Flames encircled his home but did not harm him or the house.

The ladies also told of wonderful prayer services at Chile camp meeting. They said one night “there was weeping

“. . . just when it looked like we might be wrapping up, some of the musicians started softly playing and singing

and the blessings started flowing again.”

Left: The Chilean visitors sing again at Saturday evening’s Sing-a-Long.

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Gallery PICSselections from our online albums

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(Clockwise from top left) The cello section at the Midsummer Concert; Florence Adesope happily accepts a music scholarship; Patrick Lee testifies; Fun at the fountain after service; The Piper ladies on their way to church; The combined youth choir; Joseph and Viorica Marincus with their son Jeremiah; Deanna Moen testifies of recent healing; Amanda Friesen teaches Beginners.

Excerpts from Tuesday, July 25 The Century, Florida, camp meeting began on Sunday, July 23, with a good turnout from the Apostolic Faith churches in the southern and eastern United States. Bob Downey, Director of North America Work, and his wife, Cheryl, are there representing Portland, and have written that they enjoyed a great time with the saints on the first day of camp. They sent the following report:

The Sunday morning service opened with the choir singing “Think About His Love.” During the service Eugene Segres, District Superintendent of Eastern and Southern United States Work (pictured above), acknowledged Doris Dicks who, in spite of age and physical limitations, made the effort to be at camp meeting again. Sister Doris is the widow of Leon Dicks, one of the late founders of the Apostolic Faith work on the East Coast. The choir sang another number, “In the Beauty of Holiness,” and then greetings were extended on behalf of Darrel and Debbie Lee and the Portland congregation.

As the service continued, Lessie Dixon, from Columbus, Georgia, sang “Where Could I Go?” and Josephine McElveen, the pastor in Washington, D.C., read Acts 16:1-10 for the Scripture reading. Before the sermon, Lisa Pressley, from Birmingham, Alabama, sang “O I Want to See Him.” Brother Eugene took his text from Acts 16:9, and titled his sermon “When Things Go Wrong.” He brought out that even though Paul and Silas knew they were doing God’s will by going to Macedonia, they still ended up being beaten and thrown into prison. Brother Eugene encouraged the congregation to keep on living right and doing right even when hard times come, because God will be faithful to those who put their trust in Him.

The Sunday evening service opened with the choir singing “I Will Bless Thee, O Lord” and “There’s Just Something about that Name.” Before testimonies were given, Brother Paul played a number on the violin. For the last special, Carmen Thomas, from Orlando, sang “Jesus Paid It All.” Before Mark Garroway, from our Reed Road church in Houston, Texas, brought the message, he shared how he had a serious speech impediment, making it difficult for him to speak in public. However, after God saved him and he was called to preach, God completely healed him. Taking his text from Acts 1:6-11, he powerfully brought out that “this same Jesus” is coming back again, and we need to be ready! A good prayer meeting followed as people sought the Lord.

Debbie and I are currently in the United Kingdom for the annual camp meeting in Wales, which began on July 22 and continues through July 30. There are several other camp meetings and youth camps scheduled to take place in the near future. Let’s remember all of these in our prayers, and as the Lord tarries, we will expect reports of blessings outpoured around the world.

P o s t s F r o m

B r o t h e r

D a r r e l L e e ’ s

J o u r n a l

Read more at apostolicfaith.org/world-reportWorld Report

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From the

Superintendent ’s

Desk

The congregation was thankful for beautiful, sunny weather on July 15, which meant the annual Sing-a-Long on the front lawn of the tabernacle could actually be held there once again this year. Friends and families set up seating areas on blankets and lawn chairs, and the snacks and coffee drinks seemed to flow freely. The music began shortly after 8:00 p.m. with several children’s songs led by Sarah Walden, including “The Lord’s Army,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and “Read Your Bible, Pray Every Day.” After this, a few groups played special numbers, beginning with “Keep on the Firing Line,” which featured the super low bass part by Michael Owolabi of the United Kingdom.

It is always enjoyable to hear music from the variety of cultures represented at camp meeting, and this year we

Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Zimbabwe.

As the night drew to an end, a ladies’ quintet from Portland sang “Give Up” and Gary Riler played beautifully on his saxophone. After a few hymns accompanied by guitars, a final prayer was given by Mark Worthington of Sacramento, California. Once again, an night of music with the family of God seemed the perfect way to close out a wonderful camp meeting convention.

enjoyed the visitors from Chile singing a couple songs in Spanish, accompanied by guitar, mandolin, and tambourine. Later, a Korean ensemble sang a few familiar songs in Korean, including “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” and “I Cast All My Cares Upon You.” And a number of guitar players provided Bluegrass style accompaniment for a few group songs, including “I’ll Fly Away” and “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”

As it started getting darker, everyone knew it was time for the ceremonial lighting of the tiki torches. Each torch is lit in honor of a country represented at camp meeting, and this year the list included: Australia, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, France, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, the Philippines, South

(Top row, left to right) Lee Voreis plays harmonica; Silly friends Katia Fedosov and Emily Stewart; Debbie Lee with her newest grandson, George. (Bottom row, left to right) Shawn Witham with his old-est daughter, Audrey; Susan Andersen fid-dles; Don and Pat Wolfe enjoy the music.

Sing-a-Long on the Front Lawn

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On the Spot

Bella McCarville: Singing in the choir.

Jaron Riler: Practicing to sing in the choir.

Kingston Andersen: Operation Arctic (this year’s theme).

Hope Green: I enjoyed the songs we sang.

Colton McCarville: Sharing and listening to the testimonies.

Gracie Qualls: Learning the lessons I didn’t know.

Ariah Piper: Playing in the junior orchestra.

Genevieve Worthington: Playing percussion in the orchestra.

Sawyer Parker: Learning about God.

Laila Cook: The turtle named Jessie.

The water baptismal service held on July 15 opened with two testimony hymns: “Sunshine in My Soul” and “Hallelujah! I Have Found Him.” After prayer, Darrel Lee asked the baptismal candidates to stand and be recognized by applause, and encouraged them with the assurance that God is able to sustain them through any challenges that lie ahead. Then Roxie Rael sang “Just a Sinner Saved By Grace.” The words tell the testimony of every believer: “When I stood condemned to die, He took my place. Now I live and breathe in freedom with each breath of life I take. Loved and forgiven; back with the livin’; I’m just a sinner saved by grace.”

The baptismal message was given by Joshua Idowu, who was ordained

Question: What is something you really

enjoyed about children’s church 2017?

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and as each candidate came up from the water the congregation showed their support with a hearty, “Amen.”

earlier that day and recently moved with his family from Chicago to St. Louis in order to serve as pastor there. He used Matthew 28:19-20 for his text, which includes, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” He mentioned that when Jesus was baptized by John, He went immediately into the wilderness for forty days and then was tempted by Satan. Similarly, the candidates can expect to face temptation in the days ahead, and they can also know that through the power of God in them, they can have victory over sin and the devil.

Wayne Butler and Jeff Downey baptized sixteen women and John Baros and Clark Wolfe baptized fourteen men,

Water Baptismal Service

Mikael-Tae Parker’s water baptism.